The Ultimate Pigeon Quiz

Pigeon is the name of a family of quiet, gentle wild birds found all over the world. Doves are white, domestic, smaller members of the pigeon family and are considered symbols of peace. Take this quiz and learn more about this bird family.

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Question 1 of 20

How many species of pigeons and doves are there?

300

It is estimated that there are 300 species.

200

100

Question 2 of 20

Where are pigeons found?

mainly in Europe

mostly in the Americas

everywhere except the Arctic and Antarctic

They live throughout the world, except for the really cold regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Question 3 of 20

What does the small white domestic pigeon symbolize?

tranquility

peace

The small white domestic pigeon, or dove, symbolizes peace.

fertility

Question 4 of 20

In most cultures, what do pairs of doves symbolize?

love

They are symbols of love.

unity

pacifism

Question 5 of 20

Where does this symbolism come from?

This comes from ancient Greek legends.

They are so gentle and friendly.

They seem affectionate in courtship.

They seem affectionate when courting and mate for life.

Question 6 of 20

What former member of the pigeon family gave rise to a common expression referring to something no longer existing?

passenger pigeon

dodo

The dodo, extinct since about 1662, was a flightless member of the pigeon family. It contributed the expression "as dead as a dodo."

rock dove

Question 7 of 20

How big are doves?

3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15 cm)

4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm)

6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)

Doves range in size between 6 and 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)

Question 8 of 20

What is the size of the largest pigeon?

12 inches (30 cm)

22 inches (55.8 cm)

33 inches (84 cm)

The largest pigeon reaches about 33 inches (84 cm) in length.

Question 9 of 20

Except for size, what is one of the distinct differences between pigeons and doves?

Pigeons often have colored plumage.

Most doves have pointed tails.

Most doves have pointed tails, while most pigeons have round or square tails.

Pigeons have longer legs.

Question 10 of 20

What do pigeons usually eat?

grain, fruits, berries

They eat grain, fruits, berries and various plants.

grain and worms

flying insects

Question 11 of 20

What type of dove is usually more colorful?

equatorial

temperate-zone

tropical

Tropical doves have bright hues and bold patterns.

Question 12 of 20

How are the flying abilities of pigeons?

slow and of limited range

strong, swift and graceful flyers

Pigeons are strong, swift and graceful in flight.

differ according to season

Question 13 of 20

When thirsty, how do pigeons drink?

suck up the water

They suck up the water without tilting their heads.

immerse their bills in the water

tongues lick up water

Question 14 of 20

Who incubates the pigeon's eggs?

male

take turns

The male incubates during the day, while the female takes over at night.

female

Question 15 of 20

What are newly hatched birds fed during their first few days?

regurgitated grain

worms

pigeon's milk

For the first few days, they are fed pigeon's milk, a secretion from the parents' crops that chemically resembles mammals' milk.

Question 16 of 20

When are the baby birds able to leave the nest?

three to five weeks

At three to five weeks they are fully feathered and able to leave the nest.

five to seven weeks

eight to ten weeks

Question 17 of 20

What is one ability pigeons are famous for?

always flying in flocks

mating for life

homing instincts

Pigeons are famous for their homing instincts. They can find their way home from more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away.

Question 18 of 20

Which is the biggest member of the pigeon family?

brown band-tailed pigeon

Victoria crowned pigeon

The Victoria crowned pigeon of New Guinea is 33 inches (84 cm) long.

wood pigeon

Question 19 of 20

Except for the legendary dodo, what other pigeon is now extinct?

pouters

fantails

passenger pigeon

The last passenger pigeon died in the Cincinnati Zoological Garden in 1914.

Question 20 of 20

What were pigeons used for since ancient Egyptian times?

carrying messages

Pigeons, known as carrier pigeons, have been used to carry messages, especially during time of war.